HARRISBURG, Pa. — Jerry Sandusky described his career and retirement from Penn State by video link Tuesday as testimony began in a hearing into whether he can get back the retirement benefits he lost after being convicted of child molestation.

The proceeding at the headquarters of the State Employees' Retirement System in Harrisburg involves the pension he earned while working for decades as a Penn State assistant football coach.

From a prison in southwestern Pennsylvania, Sandusky began by describing his career at Penn State and talks with school administrators about a possible continuing role with the university around the time of his 1999 retirement. His wife, Dottie, was in the hearing room for a proceeding that could last several days.

Sandusky said he decided to retire in 1999 because of an early retirement incentive that would boost his pension.